Application for FREE Instrument
Parents/Students applying for a FREE instrument should use the contact form below for the initial contact. Once we receive the information in the form, we will contact you for further information. Such information may include a driver’s license, home address (license and home address should match), cell phone, name of school, church or organization, (addresses) and phone number, name of instrument and teacher at the school.
Disgruntled Person Flyer
Every business can find a disgruntled person flyer in his mailbox at some time if it remains in business for a while. Gripes, lies and complaints are a given. This article is a response to a disgruntled person’s flyer that landed in our mailbox. We are Educational Arts Society, a 501 c 3 nonprofit. Here is our response:
EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY – PO Box 70894 – Rochester, MI 48307 – September 22, 2022
To: Unknown Person with Heart of Anger
From: Dr. Mamie Smith, COO
Re: Letter of Disgruntled Individual
The purpose of this response is to correct a flyer “someone” is circulating about Educational Arts Society, CEO Walter D. Parham and myself. Please find a copy of the flyer below.
My first reaction when I saw the flyer was, this is a bitter person carrying around lots of anger. Ignore it. . . but . . .we have all learned the last five, plus years that if a lie is not corrected, many people accept it as truth. Secondly, if this person is speaking truth, why did he/she not attach his or her name to what is claimed as truth? Then, perhaps the truth could be discovered in a court of law. Defaming a person’s character in publicized written form is not a crime, but it is a “civil wrong.” Civil lawsuits are filed too often in this country for such behavior.
Here is some information:
Prior to the pandemic, CEO Parham and I taught children at my studio in Detroit. During the pandemic, I taught FREE vocal lessons online in my home. CEO Parham taught several aspiring saxophonists at Duke Ellington Middle School during the last school term of 2022, in partnership with Carr Center. Free instruments were given to five (5) children in December 2021. There is information on our website that speaks to this. We “create a smile with music” when parents, children and teachers can “make it happen.” Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. Parents have a lot “on their plates,” and have difficulty getting children to music classes. Many are one-parent homes. Working with schools, churches and grant-funded programs have proved more effective.
As most “clear-minded” people realize, many businesses and organizations are still recovering from Covid 19 and other viruses. We are among them. Most of our funding comes from events and donations. Grant funding is something most small nonprofits are seeking to conquer. We have been turned down many times, that is why we seek to partner with larger nonprofits.
Let’s address the “business practices are very questionable and extremely inappropriate.” The State of Michigan gets our Annual Report each year, the IRS gets a 990N annually, we give an Income Statement to the Board each year and keep it on file and I donate my time. Our Bylaws allow CEO Parham to be paid a nominal fee which he has only received twice in 8 years. Strangely, this person seems to know a lot of stuff to be anonymous . . . It is sad that the lies distort the truth.
All monies of Educational Arts Society are kept in a PayPal Account, Checking and Savings accounts. I have not received “one red cent” of its money! In fact, I donate funds to the nonprofit each year. Our “personal projects” are funded “personally!“
CEO Parham is one of Detroit’s “favorite sons,” and has worked with many successful musicians and people. Iyanla Vanzant is one of them. When we asked her to serve on the Board years ago, she graciously agreed and sent us a letter to confirm it. The information on the website was approved by her. We keep her on the site as an honorary member.
We have “scammed no one!” Each person who makes a donation receives a Tax Letter for that year. Our Tax ID Number is included in the letter so that they can check us out with the State of Michigan. When a question reaches my ears, I respond quickly to resolve all issues. Our website is not a farce . . . each year we strive to fulfill our mission.
Truth, honesty and integrity are high up on our list in our personal lives as well as the nonprofit! Please visit us @ easzmusic.org.
To Ms./Mr. Anonymous . . . stop carrying around that anger and bitterness! You are only hurting yourself. The lies will not prevent us from doing what God has given us to do. We love you and wish you the best!
Musically yours,
CEO Walter (Duane) Parham
COO Dr. Mamie Smith
As long as you are here . . . take a look at our partnership aspirations. Join us if you believe we can work together.
Getting a Free Instrument for Your School Church or Organization
Introduction Video with a Cool Beat
Establishing a Partnership
Hello,
We are thrilled that you are on this page. Take a look at the suggestions and information. If you have questions, please contact us at admin@easzmusic.org.
Getting a free instrument for your organization means getting a new partner. How do you do that? By following the directions below:
- Connect this page to a post or page on your website. Send us the link.
- Urge members to become a donor to aid in purchasing music instruments.
- Partnering with Educational Arts Society for a Musical Event/Fundraiser.
- Exploring how CEO Parham’s documentary “The Unsung Musicians of the Motown Empire” can be used as a fundraiser at your location.
- Creating an “Authors’ Day Fundraiser” with member and local author books.
- Students/parents desiring an instrument should fill out an application here.
Make Your Donation
Your $5 Donation
Having an instrument means I can practice at home. Thank you.
$5.00
Your $10 Donation
Playing with a group of future musicians is fun. Maybe. . . this can become my profession.
$10.00
Your $25.00 Donation
Educational Arts Society has given away several violins. Do you want to help us give another one? You can give $50 by moving the arrow up to the number 2. Move the arrow to 3 and give $75. Move it to 4 and give $100. Thanks much!
$25.00
Send an Application
Ask for an application and get one here.
Hello,
I am CEO and Founder Walter Duane Parham. Thank you for visiting this website. It is our pleasure and desire to partner with you. Only partnerships receive FREE instruments for their organizations. I am eager to work with you on and at many levels as we discuss new ways to connect children with music.
As a musician, (Saxophonist Duane Parham) event/fundraisers are “high up on my list.” Partnerships may include both organizations sharing expenses and profits depending on location and level of participation.
Let us know if we can help.
Musically yours,
DONATE
Giving a Kid a New Saxophone
Founder & CEO Walter Parham mentored six (6) students at Duke Ellington Middle School (Jan-Jun 2022) in Detroit. He developed a point-system that motivated students to improve skills in technique, knowledge of music, production and performance. The three (3) students with the highest number of points will receive a brand new, shiny saxophone. Help us deliver! Donate $19.00 monthly or a one-time donation of your choice. If you wish to give more that nineteen dollars, move the arrow up to a higher number. One (1) means nineteen dollars. Two (2) means $38. Three (3) means $57, Four (4) means you wish to give $76 and so on.
$19.00
Music is an art . . . it can be fun, but it is also work. Making music fun is not the foundation for developing a professional skill set. However, when that occurs, it’s the “icing on the cake!” The center of the cake must be technique, production and performance capabilities. That is exactly what CEO Walter Parham had in mind when he became the mentor for six (6) students at Duke Ellington Middle School in Detroit.
COMMUNITIES JOINING TOGETHER
CEO & FOUNDER CHRIS LAMBERT CEO & FOUNDER WALTER PARHAM
Two communities seek to join together and “create a smile with music.” CEO Walter Parham of Educational Arts Society presents a proposal to CEO Christopher Lambert of Life Remodeled to determine if the nonprofit’s subsidiary UMME Federation of Proteges will make its hub in one of Detroit’s success stories: LIFE REMODELED.
WHO IS LIFE REMODELED?
Life Remodeled is a nonprofit that combines financial resources and brain power to develop a community’s needs and relationships.
Its uniqueness lies in the ability to unite a community’s residents with investment decisions every step of the way. It does not enter a community asking, “Do you want us to come in with our money and develop a working community for you?” but says, “Let’s build a community that works for you and me.” And . . . they say, “The best place to start is building relationships–relationships that generate trust, respect and honor.”
WHAT IS THE UMME FEDERATION OF PROTEGES?
LIFE REMODELED says, “If you want to know our secret, join us!”
And. . . that is exactly what CEO Parham plans to do . . . join them. With a framework in hand, he and COO Dr. Mamie Smith met CEO Lambert and Innovation Society Director Brandi Haggins to map out a road map.
What is the UMME Federation of Proteges?
The UMME Federation of Proteges is an organization founded by CEO Parham that uses a military style format to combine the talents, skillsets and creativity of musicians and residents to integrate into a community and assist it in developing its determined musical needs, culture and vision.
Music integration and core values are at the core of what UMME seeks to accomplish. During the meeting, it was decided that the next step is for EAS to meet the Community Board of Directors. Stay tuned! In the meantime, view the video below that gives a glimpse of the UMME FEDERATION of PROTEGES.
Use the form to contact us for an application.
“Children are our brightest lights,” is a phrase mankind has recognized since the existence of time. They gleam with innocence, radiate with curiosity and shine with acceptance. This article will look at three (3) bright stars who share the energy that makes them “sparkle.” Brian Reid, Kennedi Clark and Deraj Tigner “twinkle and beam” out their stories on a worldwide radio show called “Talk to the Author.” Nah-ah-ah, they are not authors yet, but give them a couple of years and they will be.
Is School Fun?
Our three (3) young interviewees simply said “yes.” One is home-schooled and . . . he has a startling answer why he likes it! The other two (2) were slowed down by the pandemic but are now “back on track.” As I listened to these kids, I heard and saw our legacy. What they ingest today, will be regurgitated tomorrow. So, it is essential that we feed them “mental food” that can reshape the world.
Future Goal Setting
Is it too early to lay the foundation that embraces children becoming “our brightest lights?” No! Goal setting is now! Then …comes action. Here are a few bullet points:
- Seeds planted today the future will bloom.
- Flowers of sweetness or fragrances of doom.
- The legacies we share will live forever,
- Bringing rays of light or stormy weather.
Goals Must Lead to Achievement
Unless that sparkle of action leads to achievement, goal setting has failed. Steps leading to achievement is a journey of progression.
Brian, Kennedi and Deraj have begun the journey. As they advance, “it takes a community!”
Our Brightest Lights Continue to Shine
OUR LEGACY
By Dr. Mamie Smith
Children are our yesterday, today and tomorrow,
Our peace, faith, hope and sorrow,
What will we leave for them to match?
What words, actions for them to catch?
Clouds of darkness or shadows of love,
Twilight or sunshine that flows from above.
Seeds planted today the future will bloom,
Flowers of sweetness or fragrances of doom.
Think brothers and sisters before we fight,
Let’s work together with all our might.
The legacies we share will live forever,
Bringing rays of light or stormy weather.
Quiet the discourse, smother the flame,
Stop calling others out of their name.
I choose peace that speaks to power
In this stressful, declining hour.
The time is now to lay the foundation
For the next, promising generation.
Let’s not fail to heed the call,
Get it right, once and for all.
JOIN THE “BRIGHTEST LIGHTS @ 5 PM ON MAY 1, 2022 ON EAMT – THE PLACE 2B!
THOSE WE SERVE CANNOT STAND AND WAIT
“Empathy is the pathway to understanding. Understanding guides humanity’s steps in serving others.” This quote expresses the deep gratitude we feel from the words of Reverend Linda Lowery. Thank you so much!
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
I would like to express my utmost appreciation to you both, Dr. Smith, COO and Mr. Parham, CEO, for the pure delight and great joy my great grandson experienced upon receipt of his guitar. The moment he began to unpackage his guitar was a rare moment in time and the angels rejoiced with elation. I am attaching his note that he gave to me when I delivered his guitar in a hard case as Mr. Parham suggested. These few words may not encapsulate the pleasure I felt in my heart as I watched him embrace the moments of receiving a gift specifically realizing a dream come true.
I pray for all the recipients of such unique instrumental treasures, and I pray that the angels will carry your mission globally beyond your wildest imaginings. May God continue to bless you both in your every endeavors.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
Rev. Linda Lowery
We Create a Smile with Music
There are many ways to “create a smile with music.” One of the ingredients of music is harmony. Gift giving, providing a service, taking a bag of groceries to hungry children, are ways of bringing harmony into a person’s life. But the most important way is to see each person as a child of God. That can be very challenging in the world we live in today. Daily, the television blasts images of hate, murder, theft, and greed. How do we handle them? I find the best way is to fill my own thoughts with love. Doing that, keeps evil images and thoughts from impacting what I think, say and do. Is it easy? No!
Those We Serve
Ukraine is an example of mortal mind’s thinking and doing! The horrors and atrocities are imprinted in thought. Learn to do what the old hymn says, “Take it to the Lord in prayer.” A humbling message the world is revealing is, “those we serve come in all colors, races, religions and genders.” War is destructive to adults, but it’s heart-wrenching to children. Man’s inhumanity to man looms at the forefront. The thought that keeps playing out in my mind is “love and goodness can never be destroyed.” I believe that is the world’s message to President Putin.
Finally, we are worn and weary. But the battle to continue . . .goes on. Those we serve… cannot stand and wait.
Educational Arts Society meets Detroit Athletic League because it desires a partnership with them. This Meeting will focus on what each organization’s mission is and how they achieve it. It will also determine if a partnership is feasible. The video is an overview of how both organizations will move forward.
PAL Director Maria Franklin EAS COO Dr. Mamie Smith
Dr. Smith believes the Meeting was productive and will follow-up with a document that summarizes the discussion. It’s all about kids!
CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE
Create a Smile with Music: That is exactly what this guy does. And . . . he creates smiles worldwide, because he is Percussionist Carl Small of “The Four Tops.” You know . . . the internationally-known group from Motown.
SMILES COME IN TWO WAYS
Carl (Butch) Small wears at least (2) hats: Percussionist for the internationally renowned group known as “The Four Tops” and Vice President of Productions for “Educational Arts Society, a 501 c 3 nonprofit. In this video, he is reaching out to you to help “create a smile with music” by making a donation to kids who need an instrument to begin the long journey of becoming a musician.
VIEWING KIDS AS A BOARD MEMBER
Sitting on the Board, gives him a front row seat of children striving perhaps to become the next Carl Small. Music makes everyone’s life smoother and more relaxed. What would we do without the millions of musicians who touch our lives with music? Make a kid happy and give a hand @ https://easzmusic.org/donate. Wait . . . listen to Carl first . . .if you haven’t, by watching the one minute video.
THE CHRISTMAS TELETHON
Give an instrument to a kid. Maybe you were once a kid like this . . . wanting an instrument, but Mommy couldn’t buy one. Now . . . you can.
CREATE A MUSIC WITH MUSIC
The Christmas Telethon will give FREE instruments to children on December 14, 2021. Be there!
Educational Arts Society 
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